Wednesday, 10 February 2016

How Blogging Can Help Your Career | PART ONE

In a world rapidly becoming more and more digital, bloggers and vloggers can get ahead in their chosen career just by being bloggers and vloggers. Not for everything, of course, but if you're looking for opportunities that use the same kind of skills, lucky you - your blog or YouTube channel is likely to help get you there and set you apart from the rest.

This is part one in a series of blog posts on how blogging and vlogging can help your career. Today, I'll be discussing why you should alwaysconsider including your blog or YouTube channel on your CV.

So... why should you?

Firstly, it sets you apart from the rest. I've already said that, but it's true. Sure, the blogosphere is overly saturated and there are loads of people these days who consider themselves to be bloggers, but how likely is it that another blogger will apply for exactly the same job as you? And if they did, how likely is it that they would have their blog on their CV? Having a blog makes you interesting, especially if your blog looks professional and is written well.

Unless you post once every few months, it also shows that you're dedicated and that you spend your free time doing something constructive. It can showcase other skills that you might not have thought to mention on your CV, for example web design, social media management and, of course, writing. Blogs are essentially portfolios, whether you've set out for it to be like that or not. They're windows into who you are and what you do beyond what's on your CV.

Basically, having your blog on your CV shows your personality, expertise and dedication. It's an extension of you, so if you want to have it on your CV, make sure your blog compliments you. As good as it can be to include your blog or your YouTube channel when trying to get further in your career, there are some occasions where it might be best not to. I mean, if you're applying to be a teaching assistant at a nursery, maybe don't mention your blog about erotic fiction. If your blog doesn't immediately seem to line up with the position you're aiming for, maybe think about it a little more. I want to go into journalism - specifically, I'd like to write about books - so it makes sense to have this blog and my YouTube channel on my CV.

But does it make sense for you?

Bottom line: always consider having your blog on your CV. There's a small chance your employer might not like it or even care, but there's also a chance that it'll help you get to where you need to be. Everything is moving online these days, so if you're already there then you're already ahead of the game. I'm pretty sure that I've got both proper jobs I've had so far in my life because of my blog so, if you have one, use it to your advantage and see what happens.

Is your blog on your CV? If not, do you think it should be? Where has blogging got you in your career? I'd love to know! (And if you'd like more blogging tips, click here.)

18 year old book blogger who aspires to work in journalism and/or publishing, and dreams of one day seeing her own work on bookshelves around the world. Amber has been running The Mile Long Bookshelf single-handedly since 2009.

7 comments:

I got my current job because of my blog! I now work in a college library and my knowledge of YA really helped because they are just starting to expand that fiction section and now it's my job to recommend what books to get in!

I tend to put my blog on anything that I apply for, including my university applications! I think it's something that actually shows I have creativity and am dedicated to something beside binging netflix.

So true! I've used my blog as a reference a couple of times when applying for internships in publishing. I like to think that this contributed to me getting the jobs. At least a little.- Jen from The Bookavid

Oooh, intriguing. I'd never really thought much about my blog and CVs - seeing as I've never had to apply for much beyond school librarian before - but it's an important topic. Personally, as I want to do English-y stuff at college and university, I'll almost definitely include it in essays and stuff, but I can also see why it really depends. If I had a cooking blog or something, it might be a harder decision to make. In my opinion, it really depends on if you think you can make it sound relevant in the framework of a CV.

Thanks so much for making me think, Amber! I can't wait for the rest of the series.

When I was applying for work experience, I put my blog on my CV. I don't know if it made a difference, but the owner of the bookshop did notice it and we talked about blogging a bit. I think if it's something you're proud of and put a lot of work into, why shouldn't it be on your CV? :P

UKYA Champion Teen Blogger 2015

Future8 Blogger Award 2014

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